Everyone at First Dunes has spent at least 10 years working closely together to make sure our distinctive homes are impeccably crafted down to the smallest detail. We treat each other like family and will do whatever it takes to keep our customers happy.
Harvey Gessin
Founder
Harvey, founder of Chatham Development Company and First Dunes, crafted over 1,500 luxury homes on Long Island, including Westhampton Dunes’ first million-dollar residence.
His recipe for success? Building homes he loves, aiming for a 97% satisfaction rate among clients. He treasures the creative challenges of each project and is proud of their resilient family-oriented business. Friends tease him about his round-the-clock availability and quick problem-solving skills.
Personally, Harvey enjoys boating and collects cars, owning a ’57 Thunderbird, ’61 Corvette, and ’68 Ford Mustang. He and his wife support the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, driven by their experiences at places like Auschwitz Birkenau, advocating for vigilance against similar atrocities globally.
Harvey, founder of Chatham Development Company and First Dunes, crafted over 1,500 luxury homes on Long Island, including Westhampton Dunes’ first million-dollar residence.
His recipe for success? Building homes he loves, aiming for a 97% satisfaction rate among clients. He treasures the creative challenges of each project and is proud of their resilient family-oriented business. Friends tease him about his round-the-clock availability and quick problem-solving skills.
Personally, Harvey enjoys boating and collects cars, owning a ’57 Thunderbird, ’61 Corvette, and ’68 Ford Mustang. He and his wife support the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, driven by their experiences at places like Auschwitz Birkenau, advocating for vigilance against similar atrocities globally.
Chad Gessin
Partner, Director of Design and Construction
Chad’s journey began applying foam air sealing for homes at Westhampton Dunes. Now a seasoned general contractor, he oversees every aspect of First Dunes’ operations, from budgeting to ensuring top-notch construction and customer satisfaction.
Chad relishes the process, from a blank page to handling day-to-day challenges, sparked by a lifelong fascination with how things work. His favorite moments include returning to homes after a few years, gathering feedback from customers to improve their future projects.
He states “First Dunes’ houses stand the test of time, even those built in the ’90s still exude freshness.”
Chad’s known for his penchant for details, a trait his friends teasingly admire. Married and residing in Brooklyn, he brings his golden retriever, Aldous, to work, enjoying Moriches Bay with him. A serious foodie, he loves cooking and indulges in road and mountain biking.
Chad’s journey began applying foam air sealing for homes at Westhampton Dunes. Now a seasoned general contractor, he oversees every aspect of First Dunes’ operations, from budgeting to ensuring top-notch construction and customer satisfaction.
Chad relishes the process, from a blank page to handling day-to-day challenges, sparked by a lifelong fascination with how things work. His favorite moments include returning to homes after a few years, gathering feedback from customers to improve their future projects.
He states “First Dunes’ houses stand the test of time, even those built in the ’90s still exude freshness.”
Chad’s known for his penchant for details, a trait his friends teasingly admire. Married and residing in Brooklyn, he brings his golden retriever, Aldous, to work, enjoying Moriches Bay with him. A serious foodie, he loves cooking and indulges in road and mountain biking.
Kyla Gessin
Partner, Director of Marketing & Design
Kyla Gessin-Stern has been with Chatham Development Company since 2004. Her career spans acquisitions, development, and sales for commercial and residential properties. Currently, she oversees corporate operations, finance, and the planning and finishes for new projects.
Her notable achievements include leading the development of Chatham44, a successful 58-unit condominium with retail spaces. Her roles ranged from securing financing, managing documentation, to marketing and sales strategies. This project earned Chatham Builders distinguished awards in 2008 for its design and construction.
Kyla, a SUNY Buffalo graduate, holds a real estate sales license and is an active member of the Association of Real Estate Women (AREW). Her expertise and hands-on approach have been integral to Chatham’s success in various real estate ventures.
Kyla Gessin-Stern has been with Chatham Development Company since 2004. Her career spans acquisitions, development, and sales for commercial and residential properties. Currently, she oversees corporate operations, finance, and the planning and finishes for new projects.
Her notable achievements include leading the development of Chatham44, a successful 58-unit condominium with retail spaces. Her roles ranged from securing financing, managing documentation, to marketing and sales strategies. This project earned Chatham Builders distinguished awards in 2008 for its design and construction.
Kyla, a SUNY Buffalo graduate, holds a real estate sales license and is an active member of the Association of Real Estate Women (AREW). Her expertise and hands-on approach have been integral to Chatham’s success in various real estate ventures.
Joe Lamberti
Superintendent of Construction
Joe, a seasoned pro in home construction for over 40 years, has spent the last two decades at Chatham and First Dunes. His days involve scheduling, blueprint scrutiny, design input, troubleshooting, and customer meetings.
First Dunes appeals to him due to its emphasis on trust, respect, and exceptional customer service, making every day fulfilling. He states “the most rewarding aspect Handing over keys to homeowners and witnessing their joy as they step into their new homes.”
Off-duty, family comes first—his son and two granddaughters mean the world. An avid fly fisherman, Joe explores spots in Connecticut and Canada, and enjoys time with his Italian friends. He keeps it straightforward—what you see is what you get!
Joe, a seasoned pro in home construction for over 40 years, has spent the last two decades at Chatham and First Dunes. His days involve scheduling, blueprint scrutiny, design input, troubleshooting, and customer meetings.
First Dunes appeals to him due to its emphasis on trust, respect, and exceptional customer service, making every day fulfilling. He states “the most rewarding aspect Handing over keys to homeowners and witnessing their joy as they step into their new homes.”
Off-duty, family comes first—his son and two granddaughters mean the world. An avid fly fisherman, Joe explores spots in Connecticut and Canada, and enjoys time with his Italian friends. He keeps it straightforward—what you see is what you get!
Arnold Torres
Project Manager
Arnold’s story at First Dunes commenced back in 2003 when he joined as a handyman, just four years after his arrival in the United States from El Salvador.
His typical workday revolved around fulfilling tasks delegated by Joe, a routine that shapes his role within the company. This role marked his first venture into the workforce, and his passion for construction sparked his dedication. Moreover, the respectful treatment he receives from everyone at the company solidifies his commitment. Arnold’s insatiable appetite for learning about construction has helped him climb the ladder as a Project Manager. He learns much of his experiences in construction though Joe; whom he admires greatly.
On a personal note, Arnold resides with his mother in Queens, finding solace and purpose through his involvement in a Catholic church group. Beyond work, he revels in soccer and hunting. Arnold’s ethos revolves around being of service to others, emphasizing his innate desire to lend a helping hand whenever needed.
Arnold’s story at First Dunes commenced back in 2003 when he joined as a handyman, just four years after his arrival in the United States from El Salvador.
His typical workday revolved around fulfilling tasks delegated by Joe, a routine that shapes his role within the company. This role marked his first venture into the workforce, and his passion for construction sparked his dedication. Moreover, the respectful treatment he receives from everyone at the company solidifies his commitment. Arnold’s insatiable appetite for learning about construction has helped him climb the ladder as a Project Manager. He learns much of his experiences in construction though Joe; whom he admires greatly.
On a personal note, Arnold resides with his mother in Queens, finding solace and purpose through his involvement in a Catholic church group. Beyond work, he revels in soccer and hunting. Arnold’s ethos revolves around being of service to others, emphasizing his innate desire to lend a helping hand whenever needed.